In June 2019, EFI Cretaprint launched its latest technological offering, an authentic innovation in the field of ink-jet printing systems for the ceramic industry capable of driving further digital transformation in a sector where this process is already at an advanced stage of development.

The EFI Cretaprint Hybrid Ecosystem will allow users to switch rapidly from current eco-solvent inks to the new greener EFI water-based inks for ceramic tile decoration.  A simple cleaning protocol and a quick software update are all that is required to move to water-based inks at any time.  This new solution enables ceramic tile producers to make long-term investments in a technology that is proven, competitive and versatile, ready for the transition towards more environmentally sustainable tile decoration processes.

Cretaprint’s research efforts have always focused on concepts of modularity, versatility and high quality.  Alongside these key factors, the company now also pursues sustainability and competitiveness, with the further advantage of giving users total control of the ceramic decoration process.

The new EFI Cretaprint Hybrid Ecosystem is a comprehensive solution that includes machines, inks and service programmes.  EFI Cretaprint Hybrid printers, which are said to be the only hybrid ceramic tile printers on the market, are available with printing widths from 700 to 1,400mm and with up to 12 printing bars.  They are part of the 5th generation of Cretaprint Smart Printers for ceramics, providing excellent connectivity and a great user experience thanks to applications such as a tone adjustment system, fine-tuning control, nozzle out compensation, ID printing, a supervisory control and data acquisition printer management system and the EFI Go mobile app for remote printer monitoring.

EFI water-friendly ceramic inks containing water solvent are a set of unique, water-based inks that deliver direct environmental benefits such as a 90% reduction in VOC emissions, a 73% reduction in CO2 emissions and entirely water-based printer cleaning processes. They also guarantee high printing quality and improved integration with the rest of the production process, producing accurate results and avoiding waste due to defects, thereby cutting manufacturing costs.

One of the most important services is the EFI Fiery pro-Server, the first colour management software specially developed for tile decoration using Cretaprint printers, which helps make the transition to water-friendly technology smooth and ensure ink savings.

Added to this is a further package of configurable service programmes for technical assistance and preventive main- tenance based on the machines present, guaranteeing the complete safety of these highly innovative technologies.

The flexibility and technological robustness of the EFI Hybrid Ceramic Ecosystem sets tile producers on a path towards the future of digital glazing and full digital ceramic decoration.

More at: https://www.efi.com/en-gb

This article first appeared in Ceramic World Review CWR 133/2019